Economy students on their future work
The student organisation AIESEC, in conjunction with the research company Ipsos, has completed this year's edition of the 'Employer of the Year' survey. This poll, now in its 17th year, is conducted among students in their third, fourth and fifth years of economics, and investigates their opinions, expectations and plans regarding the job market.
Occupational plans
Almost two thirds of students in the last three years of studies in economics have no preferences in regard to a specific future employer, 24% are considering a few companies to choose from, and only 6% have already opted for a specific company.
Have you thought about what company you would like to work for in the future?
Students considering seeking a job with a specific company mentioned the Internet, talking to employees they know who work for the company, and the radio and television as their main sources of information about the company. The press, job fairs and presentations at university are slightly less important.
Choice factors for future job
When asked about the most important factors taken into account when choosing their future job, the students most often mentioned a good atmosphere at work and job satisfaction. The factor of salary was in third place.
How important are the following factors for you in your choice of future job?
| Good atmosphere at work | 93% |
|---|---|
| Level of job satisfaction | 90% |
| Salary | 87% |
| Respect for the private life of employees | 86% |
| Possibilities of gaining knowledge and training | 81% |
| Clear career path and criteria for promotion | 80% |
| Guarantee of employment security | 79% |
| Working among experts | 76% |
| Bonuses | 76% |
| Health insurance system | 75% |
Own business
8% of the students plan to set up their own business when they finish their studies, and 4% already have their own business. One in three students in the later years of economics are considering the option of setting up their own business, but only following a few years' employment with some other company. In addition over half the students are not sure whether or not they intend to set up their own business or have not thought about this option at all. 7% of the respondents claimed to have no intention at all of starting their own business.
Salary expectations towards their employer
On average economics students want to earn approximately 2500 zlotys gross per month in their first job. It is interesting to note that women have much lower salary expectations than men. Women's average salary expectations (gross monthly wage) for their first job are over 350 zł below the expectations of men. In addition, the difference between the salary expectations of men and women is even greater when we ask about gross wages one year after beginning work, and about the salary they imagine as guaranteeing their desired standard of living.
Salary expectations related to future job?
The survey "Employer of the Year" covered over 4000 students of economics in 42 higher places of learning throughout Poland. Data was collected using questionnaires the respondents filled in themselves. The survey was conducted according to methodology adopted in previous editions of the survey. The author of this methodology is the chairperson of the Honorary Council of Experts of the Employer of the Year survey, Professor Janina Jóźwiak. Ipsos trained the local coordinators, analysed the data obtained, and compiled the report.
